It’s that time of year again — college basketball’s version of musical chairs, better known as the transfer portal and spring recruiting cycle. For Mark Pope and Kentucky, that means nonstop action, swirling rumors, and a whole lot of moving parts.
Let’s break down the latest roster news and speculation surrounding the Wildcats as the offseason kicks into high gear.
Collin Chandler announces return in true movie-star fashion
Call it the sequel Kentucky fans were waiting for. Sophomore guard Collin Chandler confirmed he’s returning to Lexington — and he did it in style, using a John Wick GIF on social media to signal his comeback.
Chandler, a hard-nosed defender and developing scorer, brings back toughness and versatility to Kentucky’s backcourt. His return provides a steady veteran presence as Pope continues reshaping the roster.
Andrej Stojaković enters portal — Is Kentucky back in the mix?
Former five-star wing Andrej Stojaković is back in the portal after a rocky freshman year at Cal. He entered with a “Do Not Contact” tag, which typically signals he already has a destination in mind.
Last year, Kentucky didn’t push hard for the sharpshooting guard due to a lack of positional fit — but with new needs emerging, could that have changed? There’s no smoke yet, but it’s a situation worth watching.
Chad Baker-Mazara rumored to have Kentucky interest
Auburn wing Chad Baker-Mazara is expected to hit the portal soon, and early whispers suggest Kentucky could be a serious suitor. The 6-7 forward plays with edge and energy.
Nothing official yet, but the interest feels real.
Nate Ament trending to Tennessee
One of the top uncommitted players in the 2025 class, Nate Ament, looks headed to Tennessee. Despite Kentucky's strong showing during his visit to Tennessee — including a win in Knoxville — 247Sports’ Travis Branham placed a Crystal Ball pick for the Vols.
Kentucky hasn’t given up, but momentum is orange right now.
Braydon Hawthorne wraps UK visit, heads to Virginia Tech
Four-star wing Braydon Hawthorne just wrapped up his official visit to Kentucky and is now off to Virginia Tech to see what the Hokies have to offer. The Cats made a strong impression, but the recruitment remains open.
Kentucky reaches out to Bosnian forward Harun Zrno
Harun Zrno, a 6-7 wing from Bosnia and former Indiana commit, is back on the market after the coaching change in Bloomington. New Hoosiers head coach Darian DeVries hasn’t contacted him — but Mark Pope has.
Zrno fits Pope’s mold as an international talent with length and perimeter skill.
Dame Sarr weighing options, Kentucky among suitors
Dame Sarr, the high-upside international shooting guard from FC Barcelona, continues to evaluate his future. He could go pro, return to Europe, or take the NCAA route — and yes, Kentucky has reached out.
The 6-6 wing impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit and remains one of the most intriguing names left on the board.
Xaivien Lee commits to Florida despite Kentucky interest
Princeton transfer Xaivien Lee won’t be coming to Lexington. Despite initial interest from Kentucky, the crafty Ivy League guard has committed to Florida, choosing the Gators over several high-major offers.
Could PJ Haggerty be next?
Memphis star PJ Haggerty may be the best player still in the portal — and word is Kentucky could explore the fit. The 6-3 guard averaged over 20 points per game and brings elite scoring ability. If the Cats want an offensive spark, Haggerty might be the guy.
Final Thoughts: Silly season is in full swing
With transfer portal activity reaching a fever pitch and high school recruiting still churning, Mark Pope and his staff are juggling it all. Some names are fading, others are rising, and new players enter the mix by the hour.
One thing’s for sure: It’s officially silly season in college basketball — and Kentucky is right in the middle of it.